Prada, the renowned Italian luxury fashion label, has recently come under fire for its new line of sandals that closely resembles the traditional Kolhapuri footwear, prompting a wave of backlash in India. Displayed during Milan Fashion Week, these sandals featured a braided, open-toe design that many argue imitates the craftsmanship of Kolhapuri sandals from the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Initially, Prada marketed the footwear simply as "leather sandals" without acknowledging their Indian heritage, leading to accusations of cultural theft and disrespect towards local artisans. Affected by this controversy, Prada issued a statement to the BBC recognizing the traditional roots of the sandals. A spokesperson affirmed that the brand has always emphasized craftsmanship and design traditions, while also noting their ongoing discussions with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce to address the matter.
The Kolhapuri sandals, named after the city in Maharashtra where they originate, have a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Constructed from leather and often dyed using natural colors, these durable sandals are particularly suited to India's warm climate. In recognition of their cultural significance, Kolhapuri sandals were awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Indian government in 2019, which protects products linked to specific regions.
Artisans from Kolhapur expressed disappointment over Prada's perceived appropriation without proper recognition, emphasizing that the craftsmanship of local workers is invaluable. Kolhapuri artisan Prabha Satpute voiced her concerns, urging that the sandals should reflect their origins. Critics have also noted the disparity between local artisans' earnings and Prada's luxury pricing, with some expressing anger over global brands profiting from their cultural heritage.
This incident isn't an anomaly, as brands like Gucci and TikTok have previously faced backlash for similar appropriative practices regarding Indian cultural elements. However, despite the controversy, some local craftsmen feel validated by the attention their work has received. Businessman Dileep More remarked that the recognition has sparked pride among artisans, emphasizing their hard work.
As Prada seeks to navigate this complex cultural issue, they have expressed an interest in fostering dialogue with Indian artisans to promote genuine exchanges about design and craftsmanship.
Initially, Prada marketed the footwear simply as "leather sandals" without acknowledging their Indian heritage, leading to accusations of cultural theft and disrespect towards local artisans. Affected by this controversy, Prada issued a statement to the BBC recognizing the traditional roots of the sandals. A spokesperson affirmed that the brand has always emphasized craftsmanship and design traditions, while also noting their ongoing discussions with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce to address the matter.
The Kolhapuri sandals, named after the city in Maharashtra where they originate, have a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Constructed from leather and often dyed using natural colors, these durable sandals are particularly suited to India's warm climate. In recognition of their cultural significance, Kolhapuri sandals were awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Indian government in 2019, which protects products linked to specific regions.
Artisans from Kolhapur expressed disappointment over Prada's perceived appropriation without proper recognition, emphasizing that the craftsmanship of local workers is invaluable. Kolhapuri artisan Prabha Satpute voiced her concerns, urging that the sandals should reflect their origins. Critics have also noted the disparity between local artisans' earnings and Prada's luxury pricing, with some expressing anger over global brands profiting from their cultural heritage.
This incident isn't an anomaly, as brands like Gucci and TikTok have previously faced backlash for similar appropriative practices regarding Indian cultural elements. However, despite the controversy, some local craftsmen feel validated by the attention their work has received. Businessman Dileep More remarked that the recognition has sparked pride among artisans, emphasizing their hard work.
As Prada seeks to navigate this complex cultural issue, they have expressed an interest in fostering dialogue with Indian artisans to promote genuine exchanges about design and craftsmanship.
